Politics
Nigeria’ll Remain Indivisible, Says Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that his administration is committed to ensuring that Nigeria remains one indivisible country no matter the challenges facing his government.
President Buhari made this known while addressing stakeholders of the South-East zone during the 6th convocation ceremony of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, FUNAI, that took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe convocation arena, Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State recently.
He stated that: “This underscores our emphasis on the digital economy which led to the launch of e-Naria and similar processes. I enjoin Nigerians, especially the academia to remain focused on the cardinal objective of the university on Teaching and research.
“I assure you that the federal government will support research efforts geared towards addressing local and national challenges. My government is building bridges of partnership and friendship with foreign governments in all areas with a view to accelerating our national development.”
President Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Chinedu Nwajuba, a member of the NUC and former Vice-Chancellor of FUNAI, added that his administration was winning the war against terrorism and banditry among other criminal activities in the country.
“In a similar manner, I urge Nigerian universities to take advantage of the goodwill our nation has with the foreign governments and investors due to the sincerity of this government to partner with foreign universities in strategic areas.
“Nigeria is the only country we have, in spite of our ethnic, religious and cultural differences. My government will continue to do the needful to ensure that the country remains one. We are also winning the war against terrorism, banditry and all other forms of criminal activities.
“Our government will continue to ensure that citizens remain safe and their livelihood secured in every part of the country.
“Students should be committed to their studies and not be distracted, while lectures should not only teach but guide the students properly,” he stressed.
Earlier in a remark, the Chancellor of the university, His Royal Highness, Oba Michael Aremu Adedotun, said the economic development of the nation depended on the quality and quantity of functional knowledge and sellable skills at the disposal of the citizens as well as the quality of research from the universities.
He noted that the quality of teaching and research of lectures in the university should be in line with global best practices at all times.
Also, the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Nimi Briggs, commended the management of the university for their decision to stick to enduring values and timeless principles of responsibility, which according to him, has contributed to the great success of the university.
However, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, said there was much to be done, especially as regards faculty buildings, office blocks, lecture halls/theatre, students’ hostel accommodation and staff quarters.
He called on the federal government to assist the university to upgrade in all ramifications.
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.
